In a significant series of updates, the U.S. Department of War showcased its ongoing military operations and training initiatives, culminating in President Donald Trump announcing the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on January 3, 2026. This operation marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations and highlights the military’s multifaceted approach to both domestic and international security challenges.
Training Initiatives and Domestic Security Measures
As the year concluded, Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma reported the successful completion of an intensive firefighter survival training program. This course, tailored for military and civilian firefighters, focused on advanced search techniques and rapid intervention skills necessary for high-risk environments. Trainees simulated zero-visibility conditions using blackout masks, honing their ability to navigate complex structures and respond effectively during emergencies.
More than 27,000 personnel rely on Tinker’s Fire and Emergency Services, which recently achieved the International Organization for Standardization’s Class 1 distinction, marking a significant accomplishment within the Air Force.
In Washington, D.C., guardsmen from multiple states have been actively patrolling high-traffic areas since August. This initiative, part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, aims to bolster public safety. Army Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Metz and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer, both members of the Mississippi National Guard, have emphasized the importance of their visibility in crime reduction and the training value it offers to newer service members.
The domestic security mission faced challenges when two West Virginia National Guard members were targeted in an ambush on November 26, 2025. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe survived and is currently recovering. This incident underscored the dangers inherent in their mission.
International Operations and Military Developments
The U.S. military also engaged in extensive training exercises abroad. From December 26 to 29, 2025, Airmen from the 449th Air Expeditionary Group participated in Exercise Pale Serpent at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. This joint operation, involving Army, Marine Corps, and Navy personnel, tested readiness for real-world scenarios, including mass-casualty incidents and aeromedical evacuations.
During the exercise, Tech. Sgt. Gracie Livengood detailed the challenges of triaging simulated casualties under constrained conditions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for actual emergencies. The training included moving patients to higher levels of care, highlighting the critical need for aeromedical capabilities in the region.
In a notable advancement, the Marine Corps announced a new training program aimed at rapidly increasing the number of operators for small unmanned aircraft systems, including the Neros Archer. This initiative, communicated through an administrative message, aims to standardize training and certification across the force, with plans to certify hundreds of Marines in the coming months.
According to Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, commanding general of Training and Education Command, the program will create a robust framework for operators and instructors, ensuring quality training as the Marine Corps enhances its drone capabilities.
As the year-end reports highlighted, the Department of War is not only focused on immediate military operations but also on the broader impact of service beyond the battlefield. Volunteer efforts, such as those by Dorner Carmichael, a veteran Red Cross worker, underscore the ongoing commitment to supporting military personnel and their families, even in overseas locations like Poland.
The recent capture of Maduro is a significant step in U.S. foreign policy, with Trump indicating that the U.S. will oversee Venezuela during the transition to a new leadership following Maduro’s removal. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth characterized the operation as “flawlessly executed,” reinforcing the administration’s focus on national security in the Western Hemisphere.
As these developments unfold, the Department of War’s updates reflect a military prepared for diverse challenges, from combat operations to domestic security, emphasizing training and readiness as fundamental components of its mission.